The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the results of a new study showing that Illinois airports contribute $95.5 billion and more than 490,000 jobs to the state’s economy, reinforcing the importance of aviation on the state’s multimodal transportation system to promote mobility, supply chain movement, job creation and local quality of life. Designed to better […]
Illinois
Illinois to Distribute $94 Million to 96 Airports Through Rebuild Illinois Plan
Nearly 100 airports across Illinois will receive state funding in the coming months for projects ranging from new runways and road relocations to the purchase of mowers and snow removal equipment. The money comes from the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital infrastructure plan which passed the General Assembly and the governor signed into law in […]
Illinois Airport of the Year Awards Announced
Reflecting the importance and vitality of the state’s aviation system, 12 airports have received Airport of the Year awards from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The awards were presented last week during the Illinois Public Airports Association Fall Conference in Galena. “Aviation is one of the key components that goes into making Illinois the transportation […]
Flying Salukis’ Ground Work Leads to Another Top 3 National Finish
by Pete Rosenbery Even when grounded, the Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Flying Salukis find ways to reach new heights. After the May 2020 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) competition was canceled and the 2021 version whittled to a virtual format with ground events only due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SIU again showed its national prominence […]
$94 Million Announced to Revitalize Illinois Airports
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced recently that $94 million will be made available to improve public airports throughout the state through the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. As part of a competitive grant process, IDOT will be seeking proposals for the planning, construction, reconstruction, extension, development and improvement of public airports. The investment […]
City of West Chicago, DuPage Airport Partner to Provide More Than 2,000 COVID-19 Vaccinations
The DuPage Airport Authority converted its transient hangar into a COVID-19 vaccination site Wednesday, working in partnership with the City of West Chicago to distribute more than 2,000 doses of the vaccine. The City partnered with food and drug retailer Albertsons to obtain the doses of the vaccine, then coordinated with the DAA to prepare […]
Springfield Airport Authority Welcomes the Return of American Airlines to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI)
American Airlines has resumed its scheduled daily flights at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI). The return follows a pandemic related hiatus, which impacted the SPI to Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) route between October and early January. American Airlines resumed regular service between SPI and Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) on Jan. 5, 2021, marking a highpoint in […]
SIU Aviation Celebrates Six Decades While Flying to New Heights
Photo above – Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s nationally recognized and comprehensive aviation program is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Since the university purchased a fixed-based operator at Southern Illinois Airport in December 1960, the program’s growth includes multiple degree programs, a state-of-the-industry facility and more than 600 students. By Pete Rosenbery As Southern Illinois University Carbondale […]
Ready for Takeoff: SIU Aviation Adds Five New Planes
Photo above – Michael Burgener, SIU Aviation program’s interim chair in aviation management and flight and aviation technologies chair, is with the five new Cessna 172S flight training airplanes that arrived Nov. 5. The program now has 38 available planes for students to train on as enrollment this fall is at 612 students, including 150 […]
Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport Celebrates New Corporate and GA Facility with Dedication and Ribbon Cutting
Last week, airport officials, community leaders and aviation stakeholders gathered to celebrate the completion of the new Corporate and General Aviation Facility at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, IL. The event, which was held in the main lobby, included a dedication and ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially commemorate the opening of the facility. Susan […]
